During a flu pandemic, hospitals and doctor’s offices may be overwhelmed. To keep you and your loved ones healthy — and to prevent the spread of the disease — follow these basic precautions:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water;
- Cover coughs and sneezes with tissue; throw tissues away after use. Block coughs and sneezes with your upper sleeve if you don’t have tissue and wash hands each time after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose;
- If soap and water are not readily available, use alcohol hand gel to supplement hand washing;
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth to prevent germs from entering your body;
- Stay away from those who are sick as much as possible;
- Stay home from work and school, if sick and contagious; keep your distance from other people to protect them from getting sick;
- If you suspect someone else, like a co-worker is ill, practice social distancing (stay at least 3 feet away from others). Encourage sick persons to go home to recover;
- Consider purchasing masks for family members to help protect against germs; and
- Stay up to date on appropriate vaccinations, including a flu shot.